Soulful Community

Let’s explore these comparisons of the power “choices” a little more closely. “Choices” In quotes because many of your power choices up until now were likely unconscious. You may not have recognized that you were choosing a response—or even that you had a choice! But, as Maya Angelou wisely said, “… When you know better, you do better.”

Egoic, worldly, or pseudo-power is externally focused and associated with fame, money, social status, or political and/or religious connections. Because its source is external and therefore depends on the perception and acknowledgment of others, it is fickle. Here today, gone tomorrow.

In contrast, soulful power is self-referencing; it doesn’t depend on external recognition and its focus and source are internal. Its power stems from authentic self-expression, deep self-awareness, and a connection to self, nature and the sacred.

Egoic or pseudo-power is selfish and self-serving, always has an agenda, and can blind itself to the effect its actions have on others. It can be abused for personal gain, to impose one’s will on another, to control or manipulate a desired outcome. Worldly power is insatiable and greed-driven; its agenda generally involves gaining more power.

Soulful power has a broader perspective and tends to be selfless. Power here is pursued not as an end in itself but as a means to service and making a difference.

In its original Greek meaning, the word hero meant protector or defender. Throughout history our greatest heroes, mythical or otherwise, have been just that, warriors who fought, protected, and often gave their lives for their people, their communities, or their countries. However, there is no shortage of examples where these heroes were known for their vanity and arrogance, rather than their humility. 

In our celebrity-driven culture of selfies, instant social media notoriety, and fake and scripted “reality” TV, there is a desperate need for humility, for soulful power. This kind of power does not need external validation—or to prove anything to anybody. Those who have it are strong enough to resist the temptation to use their power for selfish ends or self-aggrandizement, or to the detriment of others. The person with soulful power is humble and recognizes the sacred duty and responsibility that accompanies that power. Think of Gandhi—or Gandalf—dressed simply in their monastic robes, possessed of immense power that they used only when absolutely necessary.